Welcome to the Game III Steam: The Breather Encounter Guide

Master Breather encounters in Welcome to the Game III. Learn how to recognize his presence, evade his attacks, and survive this terrifying Deep Web threat.

Enemies
2026-07-28 · Welcome to the Game III Wiki

Quick Guide

  • Listen for specific sound cues like phone calls, loud bangs, or doorknob squeaks.
  • Use the 'quick method' to deter The Breather: brace the door and look through the window.
  • Manage your microphone settings to avoid accidentally alerting him to your presence.
  • Be efficient at the door to avoid the Kidnapper, especially in mid to late-game.

In the chilling depths of the Deep Web simulator, Welcome to the Game III Steam, players face a constant barrage of psychological and physical threats. Among the most iconic and terrifying is The Breather, a relentless stalker whose presence can quickly turn a tense browsing session into a fight for survival. Understanding how to recognize and counter The Breather is paramount for navigating the dark corners of the internet and uncovering its secrets. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confront this persistent menace in Welcome to the Game III.

Who is The Breather?

The Breather is a notorious serial killer targeting Deep Web users and random hitch-hikers. He's easily identifiable by his unsettling appearance: a hoodie, a doctor's face mask, and a menacing kitchen knife. His primary method of terror involves unsettling phone calls and attempts to breach your home. In Welcome to the Game III, his objective is simple: get inside and end your search for the Red Room.

You'll first encounter The Breather through phone calls on your in-game cell phone. He'll breathe creepily and occasionally deliver verbal threats. While you can hang up at any point, listening to the full dialogue doesn't seem to alter his behavior significantly. Typically, he'll make two calls before attempting to break in, though sometimes he might call three or four times. These calls are your first warning, signaling that he's getting closer.

Recognizing The Breather's Approach

Sound is your most crucial ally against The Breather in Welcome to the Game III. He will scout the outside of your house off-screen before making his move. As you progress, you'll need to differentiate his sounds from other threats, but early on, he's your main concern.

Listen intently for these two critical sound cues:

  • Loud bang outside: This indicates he's near the front of your house.
  • Doorknob squeaking: A direct sign he's actively trying to enter through the front door.

Upon hearing either of these, head straight to the front door without delay. It’s also wise to periodically check the front door, even without explicit noises, as there's always a chance he might appear. Player experience suggests checking after the second phone call, especially when you hear any suspicious activity.

Wear headphones for optimal survival.

The subtle sound cues from The Breather and other threats are significantly easier to detect with good audio, giving you precious seconds to react.

Defending Against The Breather's Break-In

The Breather can only enter your house through the front door. There are two distinct methods to prevent his entry, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

The Stealth Method

This approach is most effective in the early stages of the game. When you reach the front door and see The Breather, keep the left mouse button held down on the doorknob until he eventually leaves the porch. This method works because he won't be certain the house is occupied, making him less likely to return quickly.

Important consideration: If your microphone is enabled in the game settings, be extremely careful not to make any real-life noise while standing at the door. The Breather can hear this, which will prompt him to attempt to breach the door, negating your stealth.

The downside to the stealth method is that it can consume a lot of valuable in-game time. Spending too long at the door can leave you vulnerable to other threats, particularly The Kidnapper, who becomes active later in the game.

The Quick Method

This is the preferred method for mid to late-game survival. Hold the left mouse button on the doorknob until The Breather stops turning it. Immediately after, look right at him through the door window by holding the 'D' key. This action alerts him to your presence. He will then attempt to force the door open by throwing himself against it. You must continuously click the left mouse button to brace yourself against the door.

This method is significantly faster. The Breather will tire of trying to force the door and leave the porch much sooner. However, be aware that since he now knows you're inside, he will return to check on you more frequently.

The quick method is vital for juggling multiple threats. If you spend too much time with the stealth method in later stages, The Kidnapper might enter the house and grab you as you return to your desk.

Post-Encounter Protocol

Once you've successfully deterred The Breather, the "Brace Yourself" prompt will disappear. However, do not immediately return to your desk. Look through the front door window and observe The Breather. Only once he runs off-screen is it safe to return to your computer.

Upon returning to your desk, immediately check the grey taskbar at the top of your computer screen for a white arrow icon – this is the location marker. If it appears, quickly turn off the lights and remain still. This icon signifies that The Kidnapper has tracked your location and is now a potential threat. Always be prepared for a follow-up encounter with another entity after dealing with The Breather.

Juggling Threats: The Breather and The Kidnapper

As you delve deeper into the Deep Web in Welcome to the Game III, you'll eventually face multiple threats simultaneously. The Breather's interactions with The Kidnapper are crucial for survival:

  • Efficiency is Key: Once both enemies are active, you cannot afford to keep The Breather at your door for an extended period. The quick method, which alerts him to your presence and makes him leave faster, becomes essential. This allows you to clear the door quickly and prepare for The Kidnapper.
  • Sequential Appearances: Often, if you handle one threat well, the other will appear shortly after. If you've just dealt with The Breather, be on high alert for The Kidnapper, and vice versa.
  • Microphone Awareness: The Breather can sometimes call you while The Kidnapper is walking past your window. If your microphone is enabled and picks up real-life noise during this time, it can alert The Kidnapper to your presence, leading to an instant game over. Consider disabling your mic in game settings or ensuring a quiet environment.

After successfully managing an encounter and the coast is clear, it's a good practice to reset your modem. This can help minimize the risk of immediate hack attacks, which can further complicate your situation by drawing out encounters or revealing your location to The Kidnapper. Remember to prioritize your safety – don't reset the modem if The Breather is still active nearby.

For more information on other threats and general survival strategies in Welcome to the Game III, visit the official Steam page: Welcome to the Game III on Steam

Frequently Asked Questions

How many phone calls does The Breather make before appearing in Welcome to the Game III?

Typically, The Breather will make two phone calls before attempting to break into your house. However, community reports indicate he can sometimes make three or four calls. Always stay alert after the first call.

What's the best way to deal with The Breather in late-game scenarios in Welcome to the Game III?

In late-game, when multiple threats are active, the "quick method" is generally best. Brace the door, look through the window to alert him, and keep clicking to force him away quickly. This minimizes the time spent at the door, reducing your vulnerability to other enemies like The Kidnapper.

Can The Breather hear my microphone in Welcome to the Game III?

Yes, if your in-game microphone is enabled, The Breather can hear real-life noises. This can cause him to breach the door during the stealth method or alert The Kidnapper if he's passing by. It's often recommended to disable the mic in game settings for safety.

What should I do immediately after The Breather leaves in Welcome to the Game III?

After The Breather runs off-screen from your front door, return to your desk and immediately check the grey taskbar for the white arrow location icon. If it appears, turn off your lights and remain still, as The Kidnapper has tracked you.